Customer Reviews

Around the World in 80 Days

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In 1988, Michael Palin (of Monty Python and "A Fish Called Wanda" fame) set out to recreate the voyage described in Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days". The trip was recorded for a BBC series, but Palin's book stands on its own. The book is a journal written aboard the ships, boats, trains and dog sleds Palin used to make his way from London through Europe, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, America, and the Atlantic Ocean, back to London again. The journal is whimsically illustrated in the manner of a family album: with maps, stamps, ticket stubs and lots of photos.

Palin is an excellent tale-teller, and even the delays are good reading. At each port, Palin makes an effort to get to know the place and its inhabitants. The results are always interesting, and often hilarious. My favorite part of the book? Palin's description of the rite of passage he went through upon crossing the International Date Line. He and the other novice sailors donned burlap loin cloths and were forced to pay homage to the god Neptune (really, the ship's electrician). During a particularly extreme portion of the initiation, Palin remarks, "this is worse than being in a Terry Gilliam film". All in all, Palin's "Around the World in 80 Days" was the idea travel book: funny, informative, and in the end, a nail biter! Does Palin make it back to London in time? Do you think I'd actually tell you?!

"Around the World in 80 Days" is the book based on the TV travelogue that Michael Palin made for the BBC in 1988. This travelogue was such a success that it started a whole series of TV programs over the following years: "Pole to Pole", "Full Circle", "Hemingway Adventure", "Sahara" and "Himalaya".

The trip was intended to follow the route traveled by Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne's novel from 1872. The self-imposed rule was that airplane travel was not allowed so only trains, buses, ships and cars could be used. This was problematic for Michael Palin because in 1872 there were many passenger ship lines, while in 1988 there were almost none because of air travel. As a result he had to obtain passage on various cargo and container ships that normally don't accept passengers.

All of Michael Palin's travel books (and DVDs) share the same qualities. Mr. Palin's wit and charm and exuberance are evident, and he has a knack of meeting interesting people and getting involved in amusing situations wherever he goes.

This trip is, however, unlike the others in that there is a pre-defined route involving a lot of sea travel, and a "race against the clock" element because the trip must be completed in 80 days. The time limit provides a bit of excitement, especially when Michael Palin passes through Singapore 10 days behind the fictitious Phileas Fogg.

The large amount of sea travel is a negative aspect because it's limited how many interesting things can be done aboard a container ship, for example. In fact, a significant number of the 80 days are spent on board ships, and it gets rather boring.

Still, there are many interesting experiences reported and photographed from the various cities passed through, as well as the countryside. The cultural differences are amazing and Michael Palin reports on it all in a way that makes you feel like you're there with him.

The pictures are beautiful, even though they were not all taken by Basil Pao, who became Michael Palin's regular stills photographer on all of his later trips.

My only criticism is that I would have liked there to be some maps in the book so I could follow the trip more exactly.

The audio version of this book is read by Michael Palin himself, which is a plus. But beware: There are both abridged and unabridged versions of the audio book.

In summary, a great start for what became a great series of travel books and TV programs.

Rennie Petersen

Probably the best of Palin's travelogues, or maybe I enjoyed it most because it introduced me to his offbeat travel series? I rate it the best because Palin comes in contact with the most cultures in this one. Proof that Palin's comedy does indeed work all over the world. I would pick this one up before Full circle, Hemingway Adventure, Full Circle, Pole to Pole, and Sahara in that order. But you can not go wrong with any of the books, or videos for that matter.

I found this a terrific companion to the series. It accounts for the journey day-by-day and fills in the gaps left from video editing and government restrictions (there were many areas the camera crew was either not allowed to film or weren't allowed to enter). It also gives a little of the behind-the-scenes to the series, which I always appreciate. Along with all this information, the journal is written much as you'd expect from Michael Palin and is, in itself, an enjoyable travel book.

Full of Michael Palin's signature wit and odd perspective on life, be prepared for a more in depth and exciting view of his journey.

Garunteed to make you chuckle every now and then and well known to bring about sudden and obnoxious laughter! You have been warned!

Having read Pole to Pole and Full Circle (as well as watching various bits of his programs courtesy of the history channel!) I thought this particular one would be another case of Mr Palin using a tawdry, overly ambitious idea and not much enjoying the result.

However I was wrong! As this was supposedly his first expedition it has that wonderful virgin territory quality and has all the joy and very little of the occasional malaise of his later trips. The sheer happiness Michael finds in visiting India and China (which he'd never visited before) and his teasing, slightly mocking tone towards Phileas Fogg's own experiences make this book an absolute joy to read.

And the best thing? Because this was written when the author was predominantly a comic actor and not a travel writer, it has a wonderful humour to it that helps the trip seem a breeze.

My one criticism would have to be the latter part of the trip - in America. Although bits of it are fun, one gets the impression the author was out for camera shots at this point and had lost interest in new horizons. However, the train trip is interesting...

Anyhow, as an book for a holiday reading this is one of Palin's best combining both his skills as a comic and as a traveller in perfect balance. Oh and, if you like this, do try A Piano in the Pyrenees or Long Way Round.

I love to travel and love Michael Palin, so this was a great read for me. Funny, but also very well written. Paperback is lighter in weight than the hardback, so more portable.

I have been a follower of Michael Palin's adventures (Pole To Pole, Full Circle & Sahara). I have all of these on video and I have read them also. But this book is special as it is his first and hardest to get on video or DVD. When you read this you get the feeling that you are there with him. The way he explains every event and place he visits. If you are in to reading this a must read along with his other adventure books. Also, if you enjoy watching his adventures put you name in for the re-release of this on DVD as it is available in the UK but you can't watch it in Canada as it is a different DVD region. So give you email address an get it in to Canada. You won't be disappointed.

The journal format and Palin's clever, precise and colorful writing makes this one of the best travel books I have ever read. The "80 Days" challenge adds structure and urgency to what is already a fascinating journey.

One of the best travel books I've ever read. Former Python recreates Around the World in 80 Days, over a hundred years later, but without the help of air travel. It doesn't hurt that Palin seems quite the modest, charming traveler. Watching the trip from his eyes is truly a pleasant experience, highly recommended.